A MAJOR independent report is expected to recommend a piecemeal transfer of more powers to the Welsh Assembly.

The prediction came as Rhodri Morgan appealed to Welsh Labour to avoid "blood on the carpet" when the party considers its stand over devolution.

The First Minister, a strong supporter of more law-making powers for the Welsh Assembly, told the Labour conference his views were "no more no less important" than any other member.

He was determined Labour would display "democratic self-discipline and respect for each others' point of view".

The Richard Commission, set up to make recommendations over future devolution, will report to the Assembly government on Wednesday.

Reports based on a leaked copy of the commission's findings say it will suggest more law-making powers over devolved responsibilities such as health, education and the economy in a "rolling programme" until 2011.

A referendum will be necessary before the Assembly gains any tax-raising powers.

There are fundamental divisions within Labour over the transfer of more powers from Westminster to Cardiff, the proportional representation (PR) method of election and the threat of a reduction in Welsh MPs at Westminster.

Controversial for Labour will be a suggested overhaul of the election system, with 80 AMs elected from multi-member constituencies.

Tax-varying powers as in Scotland are ruled out without a referendum.

On Saturday Mr Morgan told delegates in the 40 years since the formation of the Welsh Office by Westminster, devolution had been a continuing process

In a plea for a mature debate which will culminate at a special Labour conference on September 11, the First Minister said: "Of course I have strong views, well-known and long-held views, about the way in which devolution should develop.

"But for the purposes of this exercise, my views are no more and no less important than those of any other Labour Party member. You know my views - now I need to know yours," he said.

Mr Morgan defended the Richard Commission process, led by Lord Ivor Richard of Ammanford "a great servant of the Labour movement" as MP, Britain's Ambassador to the United Nations and Leader of the House of Lords.

While the Scottish Constitutional Convention had only two parties represented on it, the Richard Commission had all four.

"There really hasn't been a Commission in modern political history which has the same breadth and depth of representation," Mr Morgan said

With European and council elections approaching, he urged members to remind people on the doorstep "what it was really like under the Tories".

Mr Morgan dismissed the political opposition of Plaid Cymru, the Tories and Liberal Democrats as the "Rabble, Babble and Dabble".

"The bond between voters and Labour politics is our key political strength - but the trust which needs to exist between people and politicians is one which we have to earn and keep on earning."